Canada overcame a 0-2 deficit to defeat Mexico in five sets (20-25, 24-26, 25-18, 25-13 and 15-13). Canada’s Bradley Kufske, Nick Del Bianco and Derek Thiessen finished with 20, 19 and 12 points respectively in the very closed match. For Mexico, participating with the U-19 unit, the top scorers were Enrique Ugalde and Mauricio Lopez, with 17 and 12 points.

“We came out really tight and pretty nervous,” Canada’s captain Jarrod Offereins said. “We didn’t bring a lot of energy and we were inside our own heads and unable to get into a good rhythm. Mexico did a great job of throwing us into that playing sound volleyball.”

Argentina 3, Dominican Republic 1

Argentina opened with a 3-1 (25-15, 22-25, 25-22, 25-17) victory over Dominican Republic. Gonzalo Lapera tallied 20 points, including three blocks and one ace, to lead Argentina while Luciano Zorneta and Mauro Llanos added 9 and 8 respectively. Luis David Adames had a match-high 24 points for the defeated side and Pedro Garcia and Wilfrido Hernandez chipped in with 13 and 10 points.

“I feel glad after playing a good match on our side,” Argentina’s captain Gonzalo Quiroga said. “It is always great to begin with a victory and it gives us confidence to start the cup.”